Translate Foreign Currency Transactions

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CPA Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) › Translate Foreign Currency Transactions

Questions 1 - 9
1

A U.S. for-profit entity (U.S. dollar functional currency) sold goods to a customer in Switzerland on December 5, 20X4 for CHF 500,000 on account. The spot rate was $1.10/CHF on December 5 and $1.06/CHF on December 31, 20X4. Under U.S. GAAP, calculate the foreign currency gain or loss recognized in 20X4 earnings from remeasuring the franc-denominated accounts receivable at year-end.

A $20,000 foreign currency loss reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (equity).

A $0 gain or loss because revenue was recognized at the spot rate on December 5.

A $20,000 foreign currency gain recognized in other income (expense).

A $20,000 foreign currency loss recognized in other income (expense).

Explanation

Under U.S. GAAP, foreign currency receivables are remeasured at each reporting date with gains and losses recognized in current earnings. The U.S. entity initially recorded the CHF 500,000 accounts receivable on December 5 at $1.10/CHF, creating an asset of $550,000. At December 31, the receivable must be remeasured at $1.06/CHF, resulting in a value of $530,000. The $20,000 decrease ($550,000 - $530,000) represents a foreign currency loss because the Swiss franc weakened against the dollar, making the receivable less valuable when collected. This loss is recognized in other income (expense) in the current period income statement. The fact that revenue was recognized at the December 5 spot rate is irrelevant to subsequent remeasurement of the monetary receivable. Accumulated other comprehensive income is not used for transaction gains/losses. The framework requires continuous remeasurement of monetary items at current rates, with all changes flowing through earnings regardless of when the underlying transaction occurred.

2

A U.S. for-profit entity (U.S. dollar functional currency) purchased inventory from a Canadian supplier on December 1, 20X4 for C$300,000 on credit. The inventory was sold on December 20, 20X4, and the payable remained unpaid at December 31, 20X4. Spot rates were $0.74/C$ on December 1, $0.75/C$ on December 20, and $0.78/C$ on December 31. Under U.S. GAAP, what is the impact of currency remeasurement on the 20X4 income statement (excluding the inventory’s gross margin effects)?

Recognize a $9,000 foreign currency loss in cost of goods sold using the average rate for December.

Recognize a $12,000 foreign currency gain in other income (expense) from remeasuring the payable at December 31.

Recognize no foreign currency gain or loss because the inventory was sold before year-end.

Recognize a $12,000 foreign currency loss in other income (expense) from remeasuring the payable at December 31.

Explanation

Under U.S. GAAP, foreign currency payables are remeasured at each reporting date, with gains and losses recognized in earnings regardless of whether the related inventory has been sold. The U.S. entity recorded a C$300,000 accounts payable on December 1 at $0.74/C$, creating a liability of $222,000. At December 31, the payable must be remeasured at $0.78/C$, resulting in a value of $234,000. The $12,000 increase ($234,000 - $222,000) represents a foreign currency loss because the Canadian dollar strengthened against the U.S. dollar. This loss is recognized in other income (expense), not in cost of goods sold, as foreign currency gains/losses are reported separately from operating activities. The December 20 spot rate and the fact that inventory was sold are irrelevant to the payable remeasurement. The key principle is that monetary liabilities are always remeasured at current rates with the full period change recognized in earnings, independent of the status of related nonmonetary assets.

3

A U.S. for-profit entity (U.S. dollar functional currency) borrowed 50,000,000 on September 30, 20X4. The loan agreement requires interest of 500,000 to be paid on December 31, 20X4 (interest accrues evenly), and principal is due in 20X5. Spot rates were $0.0067/ on September 30 and $0.0065/ on December 31, 20X4; the average rate for Q4 20X4 was $0.0066/. Under U.S. GAAP, what is the correct exchange rate to use for translating the interest expense recognized for Q4 20X4?

Year-end spot rate on December 31, because interest payable is a monetary item.

Transaction-date spot rate on September 30, because the debt was issued on that date.

Average exchange rate for Q4, because interest expense is recognized over the period.

Historical rate at inception with the difference recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Explanation

Under U.S. GAAP, income statement items such as interest expense are translated using the exchange rate in effect when the expense is recognized, which is typically approximated using average rates for the period. The interest expense of ¥500,000 accrued evenly over Q4 2024, so the average Q4 rate of $0.0066/¥ should be used, resulting in interest expense of $3,300. Using the transaction-date spot rate from September 30 would not reflect the economic reality of when the expense was incurred. The year-end spot rate is used for the interest payable liability on the balance sheet, not for the income statement expense. Recording differences in accumulated other comprehensive income applies to foreign subsidiary translation, not transaction accounting. The key principle is that revenues and expenses are translated at rates in effect when recognized, with average rates serving as a practical approximation when transactions occur throughout a period, while the related monetary liability is separately remeasured at the period-end rate.

4

A U.S. for-profit entity (U.S. dollar functional currency) purchased inventory from a Brazilian supplier on November 30, 20X4 for R$900,000 on credit. The spot rate was $0.205/R$ on November 30 and $0.195/R$ on December 31, 20X4; the inventory remained unsold at year-end. Under U.S. GAAP, calculate the foreign currency gain or loss recognized in 20X4 earnings from remeasuring the real-denominated accounts payable at year-end.

A $9,000 foreign currency gain reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (equity).

A $0 gain or loss because inventory is measured at historical cost.

A $9,000 foreign currency loss recognized in other income (expense).

A $9,000 foreign currency gain recognized in other income (expense).

Explanation

Under U.S. GAAP, foreign currency payables are remeasured at each reporting date regardless of the status of related nonmonetary assets. The U.S. entity recorded a R$900,000 accounts payable on November 30 at $0.205/R$, creating a liability of $184,500. At December 31, the payable must be remeasured at $0.195/R$, resulting in a value of $175,500. The $9,000 decrease ($184,500 - $175,500) represents a foreign currency gain because the Brazilian real weakened against the dollar, making the payable less expensive to settle. This gain is recognized in other income (expense) in current earnings. The fact that inventory remains unsold and is carried at historical cost is irrelevant to the payable remeasurement—monetary and nonmonetary items are accounted for independently. Accumulated other comprehensive income is not used for transaction gains/losses. The key framework is that foreign currency payables create gains when the foreign currency weakens and losses when it strengthens, with all changes recognized immediately in earnings.

5

On July 1, 20X4, a U.S. for-profit entity with U.S. dollar functional currency borrowed 1,000,000 from a European bank, with principal due June 30, 20X5. The spot rate was $1.12/ on July 1 and $1.09/ on December 31, 20X4; interest is paid quarterly and is not at issue. Under U.S. GAAP, calculate the foreign currency gain or loss recognized in 20X4 earnings from remeasuring the euro-denominated note payable at year-end.

A $30,000 foreign currency loss recognized in other income (expense).

A $30,000 foreign currency gain reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (equity).

A $30,000 foreign currency gain recognized in other income (expense).

A $0 gain or loss because the note payable is carried at amortized cost.

Explanation

Under U.S. GAAP, foreign currency debt instruments are monetary liabilities that must be remeasured at each reporting date using the current spot rate. The U.S. entity recorded a €1,000,000 note payable on July 1 at $1.12/€, creating a liability of $1,120,000. At December 31, the note payable must be remeasured at $1.09/€, resulting in a value of $1,090,000. The $30,000 decrease ($1,120,000 - $1,090,000) represents a foreign currency gain because the euro weakened against the dollar, making the debt less expensive to repay. This gain is recognized in current period earnings as part of other income (expense), not in accumulated other comprehensive income. The fact that the note is carried at amortized cost is irrelevant to foreign currency remeasurement—all monetary items must be remeasured regardless of their measurement basis. The key principle is that for foreign currency liabilities, a weakening foreign currency creates a gain, while a strengthening foreign currency creates a loss.

6

A U.S. for-profit manufacturer sold goods to a customer in France on November 1, 20X4 for 00,000 with payment due January 31, 20X5. The entity’s functional currency is the U.S. dollar; the spot rate was $1.08/ on November 1 and $1.10/ on December 31, 20X4. Under U.S. GAAP, what amount of foreign currency gain or loss should be recognized in 20X4 earnings from remeasuring the euro-denominated accounts receivable at year-end?

A $0 gain or loss because revenue was recognized at the transaction-date spot rate.

A $4,000 foreign currency gain recognized in other income (expense).

A $4,000 foreign currency loss recognized in other income (expense).

A $4,000 foreign currency gain reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (equity).

Explanation

Under U.S. GAAP, foreign currency transactions are initially recorded at the spot rate on the transaction date and monetary assets/liabilities are remeasured at each reporting date using the current spot rate. The U.S. company recorded a €200,000 accounts receivable on November 1 at $1.08/€, creating a receivable of $216,000. At December 31, the receivable must be remeasured at the current spot rate of $1.10/€, resulting in a value of $220,000. The $4,000 increase ($220,000 - $216,000) represents a foreign currency gain because the euro strengthened against the dollar, making the receivable more valuable. This gain is recognized in current period earnings as part of other income (expense), not in other comprehensive income which is reserved for certain hedging transactions and foreign subsidiary translation adjustments. The key framework is that monetary items (cash, receivables, payables) are always remeasured at current rates with gains/losses flowing through earnings, while nonmonetary items remain at historical rates.

7

A U.S. for-profit software company (U.S. dollar functional currency) provided services to a U.K. customer on December 10, 20X4 for 30,000 on account. The spot rate was $1.25/ on December 10 and $1.30/ on December 31, 20X4. Under U.S. GAAP, how should the pound-denominated accounts receivable be reported on the December 31, 20X4 balance sheet?

Report accounts receivable at $78,000 using the year-end spot rate; recognize the $3,000 difference in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Report accounts receivable at $78,000 using the year-end spot rate; recognize the $3,000 difference in earnings.

Report accounts receivable at $75,000 using the transaction-date spot rate; no remeasurement is permitted.

Report accounts receivable at $76,500 using the monthly average rate for December; recognize no gain or loss until collection.

Explanation

Under U.S. GAAP, foreign currency receivables are monetary assets that must be remeasured at each balance sheet date using the current spot rate. The U.S. software company initially recorded the £60,000 receivable on December 10 at $1.25/£, creating an asset of $75,000. At December 31, the receivable must be remeasured at the current spot rate of $1.30/£, resulting in a balance sheet value of $78,000. The $3,000 increase ($78,000 - $75,000) represents a foreign currency gain that must be recognized in current period earnings as part of other income (expense). Using the transaction-date rate for balance sheet presentation or average rates is incorrect for monetary items. Accumulated other comprehensive income is not used for transaction gains/losses—it's reserved for translation adjustments from foreign subsidiaries and certain hedge accounting. The framework for foreign currency transactions requires all monetary items to be presented at current exchange rates on the balance sheet, with changes flowing through earnings.

8

On October 1, 20X4, a U.S. for-profit entity (U.S. dollar functional currency) purchased inventory from a supplier in South Korea for 400,000,000 on credit; the inventory remained on hand at December 31, 20X4. The spot rate was $0.00078/ on October 1 and $0.00080/ on December 31, 20X4. Under U.S. GAAP, what is the correct exchange rate to use to translate the inventory cost for initial recognition and subsequent measurement at December 31 (ignore lower of cost or net realizable value)?

Use the transaction-date spot rate for inventory; do not remeasure inventory for exchange rate changes.

Use the average exchange rate for the period the inventory is held to approximate cost.

Use the year-end spot rate for inventory and record the offset in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Use the year-end spot rate for inventory because it will be sold after year-end.

Explanation

Under U.S. GAAP, inventory is a nonmonetary asset that is recorded at the historical exchange rate on the transaction date and is not subsequently remeasured for exchange rate changes. The U.S. entity should record the inventory at the October 1 spot rate of $0.00078/₩, resulting in an inventory cost of $312,000 (₩400,000,000 × $0.00078). This historical cost remains unchanged at December 31, even though the exchange rate has moved to $0.00080/₩. Using the year-end spot rate would be incorrect as it would violate the historical cost principle for nonmonetary assets. Average rates are used for income statement items, not balance sheet nonmonetary assets. Recording changes in accumulated other comprehensive income would only apply to foreign subsidiary translation, not transaction accounting. The key principle is that nonmonetary assets (inventory, PP&E, intangibles) remain at historical exchange rates, while only monetary items (cash, receivables, payables) are remeasured at current rates.

9

On November 15, 20X4, a U.S. for-profit entity (U.S. dollar functional currency) purchased equipment from a Mexican vendor for MXN 2,000,000, payable in 90 days. The spot rate was $0.056/MXN on November 15 and $0.060/MXN on December 31, 20X4; the equipment is carried at historical cost. Under U.S. GAAP, what journal entry should be recorded on December 31, 20X4 to remeasure the MXN-denominated accounts payable?

Debit Equipment $8,000; Credit Accounts Payable $8,000.

Debit Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income $8,000; Credit Accounts Payable $8,000.

Debit Accounts Payable $8,000; Credit Foreign Currency Gain $8,000.

Debit Foreign Currency Loss $8,000; Credit Accounts Payable $8,000.

Explanation

Under U.S. GAAP, foreign currency payables must be remeasured at each reporting date with the change recognized as a gain or loss in earnings. The U.S. entity initially recorded the MXN 2,000,000 accounts payable on November 15 at $0.056/MXN, creating a liability of $112,000. At December 31, the payable must be remeasured at $0.060/MXN, resulting in a value of $120,000. The $8,000 increase represents a foreign currency loss because the Mexican peso strengthened against the dollar, making the payable more expensive. The journal entry debits Foreign Currency Loss and credits Accounts Payable for $8,000. Equipment remains at its historical cost and is not adjusted for exchange rate changes as it's a nonmonetary asset. The loss cannot be recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income as this account is reserved for translation adjustments and qualifying hedge transactions. The key principle is that when remeasuring foreign currency payables, an increase in the liability due to exchange rate changes is recorded as a loss in current earnings.